Four isles beaches praised in national awards

Four Shetland beaches have won Keep Scotland Beautiful awards this year – St Ninian’s Isle, Sands of Breckon, Tresta and West Voe.

The Seaside Award programme, which recognises beaches for litter management, information provision, risk assessment and safety procedures and water quality, was first introduced to Scotland 17 years ago.

St Ninian’s Isle was first entered for an award in 2007. Since then the three other beaches have also received Seaside Award recognition.

John Summers, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “The Seaside Award recognises continually improving standards and sustainable management and I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that goes in to achieving these awards by local authorities and communities.

“Today’s announcement is great news as it means the people of, and visitors to, Shetland have a great choice of well managed beaches to visit this summer. And in our current economic climate, maybe it is time we rediscovered what our own country has to offer.”

Councilor Jim Henry, environment spokesman, said: “I am delighted that the outstanding beauty of Shetland’s beaches continues to be recognised at a national level. I would like to thank the local communities throughout Shetland for their hard work and support to ensure the beaches are maintained at an award winning standard for all to enjoy.”

A map showing all the award winning beaches with descriptions, directions, facilities and pictures can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/coastal